Kerala High Court Raps Authorities Over Non-Removal Of Pilgrims' Clothes From Pampa River At Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (January 27) pulled up the Travancore Devaswom Board for ignoring the directions issued to remove clothes dumped in River Pampa after pilgrimage season in Sabarimala.

The Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu petition, which it had closed earlier this month after it was assured that there is no waste dumping in the river and its directions were being complied with properly.

However, it has since been brought to the notice of the Court by the amicus curiae appearing for the Special Commissioner that clothes have not been removed.

After examining the photographs of the present situation, the Court remarked:

"The same depict a deplorable and disturbing state of affairs. Large heaps of discarded clothes and other waste materials are seen floating and stagnating in the holy river, emanating foul stench, contaminating the water, endangering aquatic life, and posing serious public health hazards. Such conduct reflects gross negligence, administrative apathy, and a complete disregard for the sanctity of the river as well as for the binding directions issued by this Court. This Court cannot remain a silent spectator to the continuing degradation of the holy River Pamba, particularly after the pilgrimage season has concluded, when remedial and restorative measures ought to be undertaken with greater efficiency and urgency."

It then observed that the Travancore Devaswom Board failed in its duty to recuperate the holy river:

"We are of the considered view that it is the duty of the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure that the river is properly cared for during the inter-seasonal period, so that it is allowed to recuperate and regenerate before the onset of the next pilgrimage season, instead of being permitted to further degenerate due to neglect and inaction. The failure on the part of the Devaswom Board and the concerned local authorities to carry out restoration works and maintain sustained cleanliness not only undermines the ecological integrity of the region, but also erodes public confidence in institutional accountability."

The Court then felt it necessary to issue directions for ensuring more institutional participation to resolve the issue. It suo motu impleaded the Executive Director of Suchitwa Mission, the State Pollution Control Board and Ranni Perunad Grama Panchayat in the case and directed them to conduct a joint inspection along with the Devaswom Board officials.

The team of officers are to inspect the stretches of the river affected, assess the extent of pollution and accumulation of waste and to recommend appropriate measures. They are also to suggest effective measures for continued protection, restoration and maintenance of the river.

They have also been directed to file separate statements detailing the actions taken, the present status of compliance and the measures proposed for the long-term protection of the river.

The Court made it clear that the Devaswom Board will have the responsibility to make sure that these dumped clothes are removed in a lawful and environmentally sustainable manner.

Case No: SSCR No. 43/2025

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

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